Device and method for extending material mover reach

ABSTRACT

A method of extending a reach of a material mover may include uncoupling and removing a first linkage that couples a work implement to an actuator on the material mover; uncoupling the work implement from one or more lifter arms; securing one or more extensions to each of the one or more lifter arms by (a) fastening, with a first fastener, an extension to a corresponding lifter arm, though a lifter-arm retention aperture, and (b) further securing the extension to the corresponding lifter arm with one or more additional fasteners adjacent the lifter-arm retention aperture and a top edge or bottom edge of an end of the corresponding lifter arm; coupling the work implement to the one or more extensions; and coupling a second linkage, which is longer than the first linkage, to the work implement and to the actuator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/337,374, titled “Device and Method for Extending Material Mover Reach,” filed Jun. 2, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/127,606, titled “Device and Method for Extending Material Mover Reach,” filed Dec. 18, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,035,094, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/959,876, titled “High-Lift Kit for Loaders,” filed on Jan. 10, 2020. The entire contents of the foregoing applications are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various implementations relate generally to loaders, such as front-end and wheel loaders having buckets or other work implements that can be extended to a height and tilted forward to release their payload.

BACKGROUND

Loaders are widely used in construction, industrial, farming and other utility applications. In many applications, they are employed to transport a load from one location to another, or to lift a load to a height and release it. For example, in some applications, a farmer may use a loader to lift grain to a height and release it. More particularly, the height may correspond to the side of a hopper-bottom grain trailer, and the loader may be used to lift the grain up and into the trailer from the side.

SUMMARY

For many construction, industrial, farming and other utility operations, loaders and other equipment represent significant capital investments. Once purchased, operators may be reluctant to replace them. However, the needs of given operations may change over time. For example, a farming operation may be constantly adapting its processes to increase efficiencies. A grain harvesting operation may expand over time, and taller grain trailers may become advantageous.

In some instances, changes in such processes may necessitate changes in how payloads of various kinds (e.g., grain) are handled, including how high they must be lifted. Different loaders have different reaches, or operating heights. However, given the significant capital investment that a loader represents, it may be advantageous for some operators to modify an existing loader to extend its reach and operating height, rather than replacing it with one that is designed with a longer reach.

Described herein are an apparatus, kit and method for extending the reach of a loader. More specifically, an adapter kit and method are described that can be employed to couple a payload bucket or other implement to a corresponding lifting mechanism (e.g., lifting arm(s), “Z-bar” and “dog bone,” as described herein, in some implementations) to extend the overall reach or height. In some implementations, such a kit can extend the utility of an existing loader or material mover—obviating the need, in some implementations, for an operator to make a significant investment to replace an existing piece of equipment.

In some implementations, an extender for a material mover includes an extension plate, an inner cap plate and an outer cap plate, a plurality of fasteners, and a securing pin. In some implementations, the material mover is a front-end loader. In some implementations, the material mover is a backhoe.

The extension plate may include (a) a recess configured to be disposed around a top edge, a front edge and a bottom edge of a lifter arm on the material mover, and (b) an extended-lifter segment with an implement-retention aperture disposed at its end, opposite the recess. The inner cap plate and the outer cap plate may be disposed on either side of the lifter arm and the extension plate. The plurality of fasteners may couple the inner cap plate, the outer cap plate, the extension plate, and/or the lifter arm. The securing pin may engage the implement-retention aperture and an implement to secure the implement to the extension plate. The plurality of securing fasteners may include one or more threaded bolts and nuts or one or more clevis pins.

In some implementations, the extension plate includes a first aperture and second aperture that, when the extension plate is disposed around the lifter arm, are adjacent the top edge and bottom edge, respectively. The inner cap plate and the outer cap plate may each include a top aperture, a bottom aperture and a retention aperture; when the inner cap plate and the outer cap plate are disposed on either side of the lifter arm and the extension plate, the top apertures may be aligned with the first aperture, the bottom apertures may be aligned with the second aperture, and the retention aperture may be aligned with a lifter-arm retention aperture. The plurality of fasteners may include a first fastener disposed through the top apertures and first aperture, a second fastener disposed through the bottom apertures and second aperture, and a third fastener disposed through the retention apertures and the lifter-arm retention aperture.

In some implementations, the extender further includes one or more spacers, each of the one or more spacers having a top-spacer aperture and a bottom-spacer aperture; when the one or more spacers are disposed adjacent the lifter arm and the extension plate and between the outer cap plate and the inner plate, the top-spacer aperture may be aligned with the top apertures and first aperture, and the bottom-spacer aperture may be aligned with the bottom-spacer apertures and second aperture.

In some implementations, the extender further includes one or more spacers, each of which includes a spacer recess, and the one or more spacers may be disposed adjacent the lifter arm and the extension plate and between the outer cap plate and the inner cap plate. The spacer recess may be configured to fit snugly around the lifter arm of a specific make and model of a material mover.

In some implementations, a kit for extending a reach of a material mover includes an extender for a lifter arm of the material mover. The extender may include (A) an extension plate having (i) a recess configured to be disposed around a top edge, a front edge, and a bottom edge of the lifter arm and (ii) an extended-lifter segment with an implement-retention aperture disposed at its end, opposite the recess; and (B) an inner cap plate and an outer cap plate that are disposed on either side of the lifter arm and extension plate. The kit may further include securing fasteners configured to couple the lifter arm, the extension plate, the inner cap plate, and the outer cap plate. The kit may further include an extended linkage configured to couple, on one end, to an implement that is removably attached to the extender through the implement-retention aperture, and on the other end, to an actuator of the material mover.

In some implementations, a method of extending a reach of a material mover includes uncoupling and removing a first linkage that couples a work implement to an actuator on the material mover; uncoupling the work implement from one or more lifter arms; securing one or more extensions to each of the one or more lifter arms by (a) fastening, with a first fastener, an extension to a corresponding lifter arm, though a lifter-arm retention aperture, and (b) further securing the extension to the corresponding lifter arm with one or more additional fasteners adjacent the lifter-arm retention aperture and a top edge of an end of the corresponding lifter arm or adjacent the lifter-arm retention aperture and a bottom edge of the end of the corresponding lifter arm; coupling the work implement to the one or more extensions; and coupling a second linkage to the work implement and to the actuator, wherein the second linkage is longer than the first linkage.

The work implement may include a bucket. The work implement may include lifting forks. Uncoupling the work implement may include removing one or more coupling pins that couple the implement to the one or more lifter arms.

In some implementations, each of the one or more extensions includes an outer cap plate, an inner cap plate, and an extension plate. The outer cap plate and the inner cap plate may each include a retention aperture configured to align with a corresponding lifter-arm retention aperture. Each of the one or more extensions may further include one or more spacer plates that are configured to fit snugly around an end of the one or more lifter arms for a specific make and model of material mover. The extension plate may have a recess configured to fit around an end of the one or more lifter arms.

The extension plate may have a first aperture and second aperture, and each of the outer cap plate and the inner cap plate may have top apertures and bottom apertures; the first aperture may be configured to be aligned with the top apertures, and the second aperture may be configured to be aligned with the bottom apertures. Further securing the extension may include securing the outer cap plate, the inner cap plate and the extension plate with a first securing fastener disposed through the first aperture and top apertures and with a second securing fastener disposed through the second aperture and bottom apertures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary wheel loader.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the exemplary wheel loader of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary extension plate.

FIG. 2B illustrates exemplary cap plates that may be used in conjunction with an extension plate.

FIG. 2C illustrates the coupling of an inner cap plate, an extension plate and an outer cap plate, in one implementation.

FIG. 2D illustrates optional spacer plates that may be employed in some implementations.

FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary extension assembly.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict how an incremental increase in operating height can be achieved by modifying certain elements of a material mover.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary alignment rod.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for modifying a material mover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS

FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary wheel loader 100, as viewed from the side; FIG. 1B provides a perspective view of the same wheel loader 100. As shown, the wheel loader 100 includes a bucket 103 for collecting, transporting and lifting a payload (e.g., snow, dirt, grain, rocks, etc.). The bucket 103 is supported by a pair of lifter arms 106A, 106B. The lifter arms 106A and 106B and bucket 103 may be lifted into the air by one or more hydraulic cylinders (not shown), and the bucket 103 may be articulated forward or backward, for example to retain or release a load.

To articulate the bucket 103 forward or backward, the exemplary loader 100 includes a mechanical linkage 112 and another hydraulic cylinder 109 that actuates the linkage 112. In the implementation depicted, the mechanical linkage 112 includes a lever 115 that is mounted between the lifter arms 106A and 106B, a linkage element 118 (sometimes referred to as a “Z bar”) that pivots about an axis 121, and another linkage element that is sometimes referred to as a “dog bone” (not shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B).

In some implementations, it can be advantageous to extend the reach of the loader (e.g., the operating height or vertical extent to which the bucket or other work implement can reach). Described herein are an apparatus, method and kit for extending the reach of a material mover. In some implementations, the apparatus includes an extension plate for each lifter arm, and an extended linkage. An exemplary extension plate is now described.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary extension plate 201. As shown, the extension plate 201 includes an arcuate recess 204, which may be configured to fit around the end of a lifter arm 207. Specifically, the arcuate recess 204 can be configured to extend around a top edge 210, front edge 213, and bottom edge 216 of the lifter arm 207.

At an end 208 of the extension plate 201, opposite the arcuate recess 204, is an extended lifter segment 222. The extended lifter segment 222 includes an implement-retention aperture 225 that, in some implementations, serves the same function as the lifter-arm retention aperture 219 (e.g., facilitates retention of a work implement, such as a bucket).

As shown, the extension plate 201 includes a first aperture 238 and a second aperture 231. In some implementations, these apertures 228 and 231 are configured to, in combination with other elements, secure the extension plate 201 to the lifter arm 207. Two such additional elements are now described.

FIG. 2B illustrates additional elements that complement the extension plate 201, in some implementations. In particular, an inner cap plate 234 and outer cap plate 237 may be provided. The inner cap plate 234 and outer cap plate 237 can be configured to be disposed adjacent and on either side of the extension plate 201 and the lifter arm 207—to secure the lifter arm 207 to the extension plate 201. The inner cap plate 234 and outer cap plate 237 each include top apertures 240 and bottom apertures 243.

As is illustrated in subsequent figures, in some implementations, the top apertures 240 of the inner cap plate 234 and outer cap plate 237 align with the first aperture 228 of the extension plate 201; and the bottom apertures 243 of the inner cap plate 234 and outer cap plate 237 align with the second aperture 231 of the extension plate. As shown, the inner cap plate 234 and outer cap plate 237 also include retention apertures 247, which, in some implementations, are configured to align with the lifter-arm retention aperture 219.

Turning to FIG. 2C, one way is illustrated in which the inner cap plate 234, extension plate 201, lifter arm 207, and outer cap plate 237 can be coupled. In particular, securing fasteners 246A and 246B can be employed to secure the aforementioned elements together. That is, a securing faster 246A can be disposed through the top aperture 240 of the outer cap plate 237, through the first aperture 228 of extension plate 201, and through the top aperture 240 of the inner cap plate 234. Similarly, the securing faster 246B can be disposed through the bottom aperture 243 of the outer cap plate 237, through the second aperture 231 of extension plate 201, and through the bottom aperture 243 of the inner cap plate 234. In some implementations, as shown, the securing fasteners 246A and 246B are threaded bolts and nuts; in other implementations, a clevis pin, grooved pin and corresponding cotter pin or retention ring, or other similar removable securing mechanism may be employed.

A larger securing pin 249 may also be employed to further secure the outer cap plate 237, extension plate 201, lifter arm 207, and inner cap plate 234 together. As shown, in some implementations, the securing pin 249 can be disposed through the retention aperture 247 of the outer cap plate 237, through the lifter-arm retention aperture 219 of the lifter arm 207, and through the retention aperture 247 of the inner cap plate 234. In some implementations, as shown, the securing pin 249 can be a large-bore threaded bolt and nut; in other implementations, a large clevis pin, grooved pin and corresponding cotter pin or retention ring, or other similar removable securing mechanism may be employed.

With the securing pin 249 and securing fasteners 246A and 246B disposed as described above, the lifter arm 207 can be securely fastened to the extension plate by the inner cap plate 234 and outer cap plate 237. With the extension plate 201 so secured, the lifter-arm retention aperture 219 can be effectively repositioned and replaced with the implement-retention aperture 225 of the extension plate 201. Because the implement-retention aperture 225 is, in this configuration, positioned farther down and away from the original end of the lifter arm 207, a reach of the lifter arm 207 can be effectively extended, as will be described further with reference to subsequent figures.

FIG. 2D illustrates additional components that can be employed to secure a lifter arm to an extension plate 201. In particular, some implementations include one or more spacers, such as spacer 252 and spacer 255. Each of the spacers 252 and 255 can include top-spacer apertures 258 and bottom-spacer apertures 261, which can be configured to align with the above-described apertures, in the manner illustrated. In some implementations, one or more spacers 252 and 255 can be employed to achieve a more secure coupling between the extension plate 201, inner cap plate 234, outer cap plate 237 and the lifter arm (not shown in FIG. 2D). In particular, in some implementations, a spacer-arcuate recess 264 can be configured to snugly accommodate (e.g., accommodate with a small tolerance) the precise shape and dimensions of a lifter arm corresponding to a specific make and model of material mover.

By including spacers 252 and 255, some implementations enable coupling between a standard extension plate 201, a standard inner cap plate 234, and a standard outer plate 237; and lifter arms from various material movers (e.g., wheel loaders, skid steers, loaders, utility tractors, farm tractors, etc.), from various manufacturers. In this manner, a wide array of extension capabilities can be provided with a relatively limited number of unique components. In some implementations, the spacers 252 and 255 and extension plate 201 may be customized for a specific make and model of material mover.

In addition, in some implementations, a kit that includes a variety of spacer elements 252 and 255 with slightly varying dimensions can be provided in order to provide a snug fit while still accommodating different tolerances across multiple instances of the same make and model of a material mover. This can be advantageous to accommodate material movers that have been repaired or altered in a way that changes the original factory specifications of the lifter arm.

FIG. 2E illustrates one implementation in which an assembly has been secured together. As shown, the assembly includes outer cap plate 237, spacer 255, extension plate 201, spacer 252, and inner cap plate 234. As shown in one implementation, the implement-retention aperture 225 can be reinforced with a reinforcement ring 267. In such an implementation, the reinforcement ring 267 may provide additional structural support at the point at which the extension plate 201 is coupled to a work implement.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, a manner in which the components described above can extend the reach of a material mover are now illustrated and described in more detail. In configuration 304A, a material mover 301 is shown in an “unmodified” manner (e.g., according to factory specifications). In this configuration, a bucket 305 is coupled directly to lifter arm 307 (and a second lifter arm which is not visible in FIG. 3A); and a second connection is made between the bucket 305 and an actuated rocker 318, by a linkage 310.

As partially illustrated, the linkage 310 is coupled to one end of a rocker arm 318 that pivots about an axis 319, and the opposite end of the rocker arm 318 is coupled to an actuator 309. In some implementations, as shown, the actuator 309 is a hydraulic cylinder. When extended, the actuator 309 pivots the rocker arm 318 away from the bucket 305, causing the linkage 310 to tip the bucket 305 upward about an axis formed by the coupling between the lifter arm 307 and the bucket 305; when withdrawn, the actuator 309 causes the rocker arm 318 to pivot towards the bucket, causing the linkage 310 to tip the bucket 305 forward. As shown, the bucket 305 has an operating height 330 in configuration 304A.

In a modified configuration 304B, an operating height 333 can be achieved that is higher than the operating height of the unmodified configuration 304A. As shown, this higher operating height 333 provides an incremental increase 336 in operating height or reach.

In some implementations, this incremental increase 336 can enable a material mover operator to employ the material mover in applications that would not otherwise be possible. For example, in a grain loading application, the incremental increase 336 may facilitate loading of higher grain trailers that would otherwise not be possible. Moreover, the specific design of the implementations described herein may result in an extension of reach or operating height, without a significant reduction in load carrying capacity of the material mover, or without significant change to the center of gravity of the material mover (and, by extension, the safety of its operation, in some implementations).

To facilitate the incremental increase 336 in operating height in configuration 304B, an extension assembly 340 may be employed. In some implementations, the extension assembly 340 includes an extension plate, an inner cap plate, an outer cap plate, and, optionally, one or more spacers—as described with reference to the preceding figures. In addition to the extension assembly 340 in configuration 304B, one other modification may be required. In particular, the linkage 310 of configuration 304A may be replaced with a longer linkage 311.

FIG. 3A illustrates the incremental increase 336 in operating height that configuration 304B may provide, relative to configuration 304A. As shown in FIG. 3A, the bucket 305 is horizontal. In FIG. 3B, a similar incremental increase 337 in illustrated when the bucket 305 is tipped forward, as it would be during an unloading operation. As shown, the operating height 332 is higher in the “modified” configuration 304B, relative to the operating height 331 of the “unmodified” configuration 304A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an additional component that may be provided in a “high-lift kit” for extending the reach or operating height of a material mover. In particular, an alignment rod 470 can be provided to facilitate alignment of extension assemblies 440A and 440B relative to corresponding lifter arms 407A and 407B. Such an alignment rod 407 may be temporarily disposed in the implement-retention aperture 425A of a first extension assembly 440A and in the implement-retention aperture 425B of the second extension assembly 440B. After the alignment rod 470 is so disposed, the extension assemblies 440A and 440B may be secured to the corresponding lifter arms 407A and 407B (e.g., by installation and tightening of securing fasteners 446A and 446B and securing pins 449). In this manner, implement-retention apertures 425A and 425B may be more precisely aligned than they otherwise may be—thereby simplifying installation of a work implement (e.g., a bucket or set of lifting forks), in some implementations.

In some implementations, the alignment rod 470 may be particularly advantageous where a lifter arm has been damaged (e.g., bent or warped). In such implementations, the extension assemblies 440A and 440B may be loosely positioned, and the alignment rod 470 may be disposed prior to the securing fasteners 446A and 425B and/or securing pins 449 being tightened on the lifter arms 407A and 407B. Depending on the severity of the damage, the extension plate or spacers (if present) may require minor modification (e.g., grinding or reshaping), and the alignment rod 470 may facilitate identification of any such required modification.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 for extending the reach or operating height of a material mover.

As shown, the method 500 includes uncoupling and removing (501) a first linkage the couples an actuated rocker arm to a work implement. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, the linkage 310 may be uncoupled from the bucket 305 and from the actuated rocker arm 318.

The method 500 further includes uncoupling (504) the implement from the first lifter arm and the second lifter arm. For example, with reference to FIG. 1B, the bucket 103 may be uncoupled from the lifter arms 106A and 106B. In some implementations, the work implement may be uncoupled from the lifter arms by removing a coupling pin (e.g., a clevis pin).

In many implementations, such as those involving wheel loaders as illustrated and described herein, the work implement may be uncoupled from two separate lifter arms. In other implementations, however (e.g., a backhoe, post-hole digger), only a single lifter arm may be employed to retain and actuate the work implement.

The method 500 further includes securing (507) a first extension to a first lifter arm and a second extension to a second lifter arm. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, the extension 340 may be secured to the lifter arm 307. The extension 340 can include an assembly of an extension plate, an inner cap plate, an outer cap plate, and optional spacers—such as those elements illustrated in FIG. 2E. In some implementations, separate extensions are secured to separate lifter arms (e.g., the lifter arms 106A and 106B of FIG. 1B).

The method 500 further includes coupling (510) the implement to the first extension and the second extension. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, the bucket 305 may be coupled to the extension assembly 340.

The method 500 further includes coupling (513) a second linkage to the work implement and the actuated rocker arm. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, the bucket 305 may be coupled to actuated rocker arm 318 with a second linkage 311 that is longer than the original linkage 310.

In some implementations, an exemplary method 500 may include additional steps. For example, an alignment rod (e.g., an alignment rod 470, illustrated in FIG. 4 ) may be employed to align the first and second extensions relative to each other, prior to the first and second extensions being secured to the corresponding lifter arms. Other steps may be included.

The elements and methods described herein may provide several advantages. For example, replacement of a material mover may be obviated, and its utility may be extended. The utility may be extended without requiring any permanent modifications (e.g., welding or cutting). A single operator working alone or with readily available tools (e.g., a hand truck and portable winch or lift) may be able to modify the material mover. That is, each individual component described herein may be small enough and light enough in weight to facilitate handling by a single operator.

In some implementations, modifications (e.g., to convert a material mover from configuration 304A to configuration 304B, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) may be performed quickly—for example, within 30 minutes or less, 60 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, etc. In some implementations, a kit, such as that described herein, may be easily shipped, with minimal shipping costs.

Various implementations have been described, and the reader will appreciate that other variations are possible without departing from the principles described herein. For example, an extension can be applied to a material mover with one or two lifter arms. Extension plates and linkages can be dimensioned differently than illustrated to provide greater extensions of operating reach or height. Various removable fasteners may be employed. It is therefore intended that the scope not be limited to specific implementations disclosed herein but rather include all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter kit comprising a plurality of discrete components configured to be uncoupled from each other and further configured to retrofit a material mover to extend its reach, the plurality of discrete components comprising: an extension plate comprising (a) a recess configured to be disposed around a top edge, a front edge and a bottom edge of a lifter arm on the material mover, and (b) an extended-lifter segment with an implement-retention aperture disposed at its end, opposite the recess; an inner cap plate and an outer cap plate configured to be disposed on either side of the lifter arm and the extension plate; a plurality of removable fasteners that are configured to couple the inner cap plate, the outer cap plate, the extension plate, and the lifter arm; a securing pin configured to engage the implement-retention aperture and an implement to secure the implement to the extension plate; and a replacement linkage configured to replace a first linkage disposed on the material mover prior to its retrofitting with the adapter kit, wherein the replacement linkage is configured to be longer than the first linkage.
 2. The adapter kit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises one or more threaded bolts and nuts or one or more clevis pins.
 3. The adapter kit of claim 1, wherein the material mover is a front-end loader.
 4. The adapter kit of claim 1, wherein the extension plate comprises a first aperture and second aperture that, when the extension plate is disposed around the lifter arm, are adjacent the top edge and bottom edge, respectively.
 5. The adapter kit of claim 4, wherein the inner cap plate and the outer cap plate each includes a top aperture, a bottom aperture and a retention aperture; wherein, when the inner cap plate and the outer cap plate are disposed on either side of the lifter arm and the extension plate, the top apertures are aligned with the first aperture, the bottom apertures are aligned with the second aperture, and the retention aperture is aligned with a lifter-arm retention aperture.
 6. The adapter kit of claim 5, wherein the plurality of removable fasteners comprises a first fastener configured to be disposed through the top apertures and first aperture, a second fastener configured to be disposed through the bottom apertures and second aperture, and a third fastener configured to be disposed through the retention apertures and the lifter-arm retention aperture.
 7. The adapter kit of claim 6, further comprising one or more spacers, each of the one or more spacers comprising a top-spacer aperture and a bottom-spacer aperture; wherein, when the one or more spacers are disposed adjacent the lifter arm and the extension plate and between the outer cap plate and the inner plate, the top-spacer aperture is aligned with the top apertures and first aperture, and the bottom-spacer aperture is aligned with the bottom-spacer apertures and second aperture.
 8. The adapter kit of claim 1, further comprising one or more spacers, each of the one or more spacers comprising a spacer recess, wherein the one or more spacers are configured to be disposed adjacent the lifter arm and the extension plate and between the outer cap plate and the inner cap plate.
 9. The adapter kit of claim 8, wherein the spacer recess is configured to fit snugly around the lifter arm of a specific make and model of a material mover.
 10. A method comprising: providing an adapter kit for retrofitting an existing material mover to extend its reach, the adapter kit comprising (A) an extension plate comprising (i) a recess configured to be disposed around a top edge, a front edge, and a bottom edge of a lifter arm of the material mover and (ii) an extended-lifter segment with an implement-retention aperture disposed at its end, opposite the recess; (B) an inner cap plate and an outer cap plate that are provided in the adapter kit as discrete components, separable from each other and from the extension plate; (C) securing fasteners configured to couple one or more of the lifter arm, the extension plate, the inner cap plate, and the outer cap plate; and (D) a replacement linkage configured to couple a work implement to an actuator on the material mover, wherein the replacement linkage is longer than a first linkage disposed on the material mover prior to its retrofitting with the adapter kit; uncoupling and removing the first linkage that couples the work implement to the actuator; uncoupling the work implement from the lifter arm; securing the extension plate, inner cap plate and outer cap plate to the lifter arm by fastening the extension plate, inner cap plate and outer cap plate to the lifter arm, though a lifter-arm retention aperture, and further securing the inner cap plate and outer cap plate to each other with one or more additional fasteners; coupling the work implement to the extension plate; and coupling the replacement linkage to the work implement and to the actuator.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the work implement comprises a bucket.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein uncoupling the work implement comprises removing a coupling pin that couples the implement to the lifter arm.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the outer cap plate and the inner cap plate each comprise a retention aperture configured to align with the lifter-arm retention aperture.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the adapter kit further comprises one or more spacer plates that are configured to fit snugly around an end of the lifter arm for a specific make and model of material mover.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the extension plate has a first aperture and second aperture, and wherein each of the outer cap plate and the inner cap plate have top apertures and bottom apertures; wherein the first aperture is configured to be aligned with the top apertures, and the second aperture is configured to be aligned with the bottom apertures.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein further securing the inner cap plate and outer cap plate to each other comprises disposing a first securing fastener through the first aperture and top apertures and disposing a second securing fastener through the second aperture and bottom apertures. 